Understanding Seasonal Struggles with Breaking Dawn Therapy
Every year, many people come down with the winter blues, but it is more than just a temporary feeling. It’s a deeper psychological reaction to the seasonal changes. The shorter days, colder weather, and reduced sunlight all combine to impact the mental health of affected individuals.
When left unchecked for too long, winter blues can morph into more serious mental health conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD can have a profoundly negative impact on a patient’s life.
Breaking Dawn Therapy provides compassionate care for people seeking professional help with managing seasonal mental health challenges.
The Science Behind Winter Blues and SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression closely tied to the changing seasons. It often begins and ends around the same period each year—between late fall and early spring. Some of the symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Persistent low mood
- Changes in appetite
- Mood swings
Residents in Michigan are particularly susceptible to SAD because of our long, demanding, dark winters.
The lack of sunlight during these months alters brain chemistry, lowering serotonin levels in the blood. This neurotransmitter is key to maintaining a balanced mood. It also disrupts the production of melatonin, upsetting sleep-wake cycles. Thus, the imbalance caused by inadequate light exposure can affect mental well-being.
Proactively addressing these changes is vital for maintaining optimum mental health through this season.
Therapy Options to Combat the Winter Blues
Breaking Dawn Therapy for depression therapy Plymouth, MI residents can rely on to break the hold of winter blues and SAD. The practice offers personalized counseling sessions designed to help individuals explore their emotions, identify triggers, and develop strategies that can help them overcome seasonal depression.
Breaking Dawn Therapy offers depression virtual therapy for individuals who want to receive effective care without leaving the comfort of their homes.
This is a highly effective option because the flexibility and accessibility help patients receive consistent support in the midst of their busy schedules and regardless of poor weather conditions. It’s one of the most effective tools against SAD because it removes all the traditional barriers to receive care for the condition.
Daily Habits to Complement Professional Therapy
Professional therapy is only one approach to combating the winter blues and alleviating the symptoms of SAD. An excellent way to encourage more positive results is to adopt approaches that will expose you to more light—natural or artificial.
Artificial light therapy mimics the effect of natural sunlight by regulating melatonin and serotonin levels. Combining this with spending more time outdoors during the sunniest parts of the day can do wonders for your mental health.
Adopting a healthy routine that involves regular exercise, eating a diet rich in vitamin D, and mindfulness practices such as meditation and journaling can help improve emotional balance and reduce the severity of all the symptoms associated with the winter blues and SAD.
Advocating for Support and Self-Awareness
Many people ignore the winter blues because they understand what they are going through and expect to snap out of it after the season. However, it’s important to know when to seek help. For example, you should never ignore winter blues if it causes an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or threatens to severely disrupt your work or relationships. That’s a sign to reach out to a therapist for support.
Do you believe that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness? That’s a misconception you should discard. In truth, prioritizing your emotional well-being is a sign of strength. It’s the only way you can get on the path to complete healing. Winter can indeed be as fun as other seasons for you.
Reclaim Your Well-Being with Breaking Dawn Therapy
Breaking Dawn Therapy is fully dedicated to helping individuals dealing with the winter blues and SAD manage their mental health throughout the season and beyond. Our team offers personalized care regardless of whether you choose in-person or virtual sessions.
Take that first step toward living an enjoyable life through this winter and subsequent ones. Our innovative and compassionate approach to SAD therapy can help restore your energy and happiness. You’ll feel motivated to take on the world again as winter becomes just another season.
Call (734) 457-1253 today to schedule your appointment.
